I am a school speech-language pathologist, serving children from 3 years old to kindergarten, who are experiencing a communication delay of some sort. Some of my students have difficulty with speech sounds. Others have difficulty with understanding or producing language in order to communicate with others. Still others struggle with social language that is so critical to establishing and maintaining relationships. For these very young children with communication delays, the pandemic has greatly increased the impact of these delays. Masks have limited the normal acquisition of speech sounds and social cues seen from facial expressions. Lack of in-person learning has reduced exposure to peer and teacher language modeling. Perhaps the greatest impact of all has been reduced opportunities to develop social skills which are so important to a child's emotional growth.
I am requesting a set of 8 theme boxes from Lakeshore Learning. These boxes include materials about transportation, farming, food, weather, nature, and the five senses. They contain manipulatives, picture cards, music, books, and ideas for communication activities. As I work with children to improve their communication, these theme boxes give a framework for providing this instruction, and will give more opportunities for children to learn, regardless of their learning style. I am also requesting some additional photo cards and a 'mystery box', that will give these children many more opportunities to practice language skills.
In addition, I am requesting some materials to address delays in social skills, due to school closure and reduced interaction with peers. Photos showing facial expressions will address social cues missed due to masking or virtual learning. 'Theo's Mood' book and storytelling kit, along with a conversation starter kit, will allow very young children with these delays to practice skills which are so critical. I anticipate that these materials will make a
About my class
I am a school speech-language pathologist, serving children from 3 years old to kindergarten, who are experiencing a communication delay of some sort. Some of my students have difficulty with speech sounds. Others have difficulty with understanding or producing language in order to communicate with others. Still others struggle with social language that is so critical to establishing and maintaining relationships. For these very young children with communication delays, the pandemic has greatly increased the impact of these delays. Masks have limited the normal acquisition of speech sounds and social cues seen from facial expressions. Lack of in-person learning has reduced exposure to peer and teacher language modeling. Perhaps the greatest impact of all has been reduced opportunities to develop social skills which are so important to a child's emotional growth.
I am requesting a set of 8 theme boxes from Lakeshore Learning. These boxes include materials about transportation, farming, food, weather, nature, and the five senses. They contain manipulatives, picture cards, music, books, and ideas for communication activities. As I work with children to improve their communication, these theme boxes give a framework for providing this instruction, and will give more opportunities for children to learn, regardless of their learning style. I am also requesting some additional photo cards and a 'mystery box', that will give these children many more opportunities to practice language skills.
In addition, I am requesting some materials to address delays in social skills, due to school closure and reduced interaction with peers. Photos showing facial expressions will address social cues missed due to masking or virtual learning. 'Theo's Mood' book and storytelling kit, along with a conversation starter kit, will allow very young children with these delays to practice skills which are so critical. I anticipate that these materials will make a
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